Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos filed a criminal charge against a woman who defrauded illegal foreign nationals by falsely representing herself as an immigration attorney.

Elizabeth Scott, 37, was charged with the felony offense of falsely holding oneself out as an attorney. She is alleged to have told victims that she was an attorney and could prevent themselves or family members from being deported. Scott targeted Spanish-speaking immigrants-many of them from Mexico-by claiming she specialized in immigration issues and had connections with Immigrations and Customs.

In one case, Scott collected $5,000 in fees to prevent a complainant's son from being deported. She pocked the money, did nothing to assist him, and he was eventually deported to Mexico. When the complainant learned of Scott's misrepresentation, she notified police, and a criminal investigation was initiated.

Officers from Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 6, the Harris County Fire Marshall's Office, and District Attorney's Office assisted in the inquiry that led to the criminal charge.

Harris County Assistant District Attorney Wendy Baker handled the investigation and asked that anyone who has engaged in business transactions with Scott notify the District Attorney's Office Financial Crimes Division at (713) 755-8333. Scott has also used the name of Elizabeth Ann Ramirez.

Scott has been charged with the felony offense of falsely holding oneself out as an attorney and faces up to ten years in prison if convicted. She will appear in the 262nd District Court on February 20.